Help with travel costs for medical appointments

Under the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS), you may be able to claim back money spent travelling to and from the hospital. This can also include the expenses of someone who has to go with you because it is medically necessary.

If you or your loved one have been diagnosed with a brain tumour, you (and a companion if medically necessary) may be entitled to financial help with costs incurred travelling to and from hospital appointments, as well as parking charges. 

This usually involves being able to claim back costs, rather than receiving up front payment.

Expert advice and guidance

Speak to our experienced advisors for advice on the financial support you may be eligible for to help pay for healthcare travel costs.

Book an appointment

How do I claim?

You must claim back within 3 months of your appointment and you’ll need your:

• travel receipts
• appointment letter or card
• proof that you’re receiving one of the benefits, have an NHS Exemption Certificate or an HC2 or HC3

You’ll need to take these to a nominated cashiers’ office (although this may be known by a different name), which are normally located in the hospital or clinic that treated you. You can ask reception or PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Services) where to find the office.

Visit the NHS website for more information and a full list of eligibility criteria.

Carers

If you’re caring for someone who’s living with a brain tumour, you may be able to receive help with travel costs to the hospital through a Budgeting Loan from the government’s Social Fund. Eligibility criteria apply, including low income or receiving income based Employment Support Allowance. And you have to pay the money back. If you are receiving Universal Credit, you cannot apply for a budgeting loan, but can apply for a Universal Credit budgeting advance.  This will be paid back directly from your Universal Credit payments.

For more information, speak to our expert benefits advisor by booking an appointment for our free telephone Benefits Clinic.

Join our Support Groups on Facebook

Our online support groups are a great place to connect with other people affected by a brain tumour and share your experiences.

Online brain tumour support groups

Help with hospital parking costs

Hospital car parking policies are different across the UK.

• In England, many hospitals give free car parking or discounts to people with cancer (high grade tumours). However, this isn’t always clearly advertised, so ask your hospital if this is something they do.
• In Wales, all hospital parking is free.
• In Scotland, hospital parking is free at most hospitals but some still charge for privately-run car parks. 
• In Northern Ireland, hospital parking is free if you’re having chemotherapy or radiotherapy. It’s also free if you’re a partner or relative and are transporting the person having chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Hospitals can give free parking to others at their discretion.